Forget the fear of flying. In the upcoming six-episode thriller “Nightsleeper,” the real danger awaits on a train travelling from Glasgow to London.
“When we were developing the show, we got all these experts in one room and asked: ‘How do you hack a train?’ An hour later, they said: ‘This is scary. We could easily do it now, between ourselves’,” says writer Nick Leather.
“We will do for trains what ‘Jaws’ did for sharks.”
Produced by Fremantle’s Euston Films and set to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2024, “Nightsleeper” is directed by Jamie Magnus Stone and John Hayes.
While Abby Aysgarth (Alexandra Roach) at the U..K’s National Cyber Security Centre is trying her best to stop the train, some remaining passengers also join forces – including off-duty cop Joe Roag (“Peaky Blinders” actor Joe Cole). But they only have six hours and one satellite phone.
“When we were developing the show, we got all these experts in one room and asked: ‘How do you hack a train?’ An hour later, they said: ‘This is scary. We could easily do it now, between ourselves’,” says writer Nick Leather.
“We will do for trains what ‘Jaws’ did for sharks.”
Produced by Fremantle’s Euston Films and set to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2024, “Nightsleeper” is directed by Jamie Magnus Stone and John Hayes.
While Abby Aysgarth (Alexandra Roach) at the U..K’s National Cyber Security Centre is trying her best to stop the train, some remaining passengers also join forces – including off-duty cop Joe Roag (“Peaky Blinders” actor Joe Cole). But they only have six hours and one satellite phone.
- 11/27/2023
- by Marta Balaga
- Variety Film + TV
The BBC has released two first-look images from its upcoming real-time thriller ‘Nightsleeper.’
The story is about the hacking of a sleeper train travelling from Glasgow to London, and a government agency’s frantic efforts to intervene in the rapidly-escalating events onboard. Can two people who’ve never met, one on the train and one not, work together to save the lives of its disparate group of passengers as the Heart of Britain overnight service hurtles towards what might quite literally be its final destination?
Alexandra Roach (The Light in the Hall) and Joe Cole (Gangs of London) lead the cast of the suspense thriller, written by BAFTA award-winning writer Nick Leather (Murdered For Being Different) from Fremantle’s Euston Films, coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2024.
Roach plays Abby Aysgarth, the Acting Technical Director at the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, who’s finally about...
The story is about the hacking of a sleeper train travelling from Glasgow to London, and a government agency’s frantic efforts to intervene in the rapidly-escalating events onboard. Can two people who’ve never met, one on the train and one not, work together to save the lives of its disparate group of passengers as the Heart of Britain overnight service hurtles towards what might quite literally be its final destination?
Alexandra Roach (The Light in the Hall) and Joe Cole (Gangs of London) lead the cast of the suspense thriller, written by BAFTA award-winning writer Nick Leather (Murdered For Being Different) from Fremantle’s Euston Films, coming to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in early 2024.
Roach plays Abby Aysgarth, the Acting Technical Director at the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, who’s finally about...
- 11/22/2023
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
To celebrate the release of London Kills Series 4 available on 27th November on DVD and Digital, we’re giving away 2 DVDs!
Following the success of the first three series, crime TV virtuoso Paul Marquess (The Bill, Crime Stories, Suspects) brings us the latest instalment of the hit show that has become a firm fan favourite. London Kills Series 4 will be available along with London Kills Series 1 – 4 Complete Box Set on 27 November 2023.
London’s crack team of detectives – Di David Bradford (Hugo Speer – Marcella), DS Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small – The Inspector Lynley Mysteries), DC Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick – Bodyguard) and DC Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin – Unforgotten) – return to our screens to tackle the capital’s multitude of monstrous murders. Set against the backdrop of one of the most electrifying cities in the world, this slick and gritty show sees the savvy team face some of their toughest cases yet.
David has consistently displayed a rebellious nature,...
Following the success of the first three series, crime TV virtuoso Paul Marquess (The Bill, Crime Stories, Suspects) brings us the latest instalment of the hit show that has become a firm fan favourite. London Kills Series 4 will be available along with London Kills Series 1 – 4 Complete Box Set on 27 November 2023.
London’s crack team of detectives – Di David Bradford (Hugo Speer – Marcella), DS Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small – The Inspector Lynley Mysteries), DC Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick – Bodyguard) and DC Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin – Unforgotten) – return to our screens to tackle the capital’s multitude of monstrous murders. Set against the backdrop of one of the most electrifying cities in the world, this slick and gritty show sees the savvy team face some of their toughest cases yet.
David has consistently displayed a rebellious nature,...
- 11/19/2023
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The Chelsea Detective is a British crime drama created by Peter Fincham. The Acorn TV series focuses on the story of Di Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough) and DS Priya Shamsie (Sonita Henry) as they solve more and more complicated criminal cases as well as lead very complicated personal lives. So, if you loved The Chelsea Detective here are some similar shows you should check out next.
Suspects (Acorn TV & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Channel 5
Synopsis: Suspects is a fresh, very different, and absolutely cracking drama -Daily Mail (UK). With improvised dialogue and using filming techniques and a directorial approach usually associated with factual programming, this unique procedural crime drama follows D.I. Martha Bellamy and her team as they investigate hard-hitting crimes in contemporary London.
Deadwind (Netflix) Credit Yle TV2
Synopsis: A dogged detective with a complicated personal life throws herself into solving grisly murders that often mask a sinister conspiracy.
Suspects (Acorn TV & Prime Video Add-On) Credit – Channel 5
Synopsis: Suspects is a fresh, very different, and absolutely cracking drama -Daily Mail (UK). With improvised dialogue and using filming techniques and a directorial approach usually associated with factual programming, this unique procedural crime drama follows D.I. Martha Bellamy and her team as they investigate hard-hitting crimes in contemporary London.
Deadwind (Netflix) Credit Yle TV2
Synopsis: A dogged detective with a complicated personal life throws herself into solving grisly murders that often mask a sinister conspiracy.
- 8/23/2023
- by Kulwant Singh
- Cinema Blind
Peaky Blinders and Gangs of London star Joe Cole has been cast as lead in real-time BBC thriller series Nightsleeper.
He’ll play opposite Alexandra Roach (The Light in the Hall) in the drama, which is from Nick Leather. Filming is underway in Glasgow, Scotland.
The BBC first announced the show in December, as we reported here. Set on a sleeper train from the Glasgow to London, the real-time drama follows a government agency desperately trying to intervene as events rapidly escalate onboard. Two strangers (Cole and Roach) are forced to work together to save the lives of disparate group of passengers, as the train hurtles towards “what might quite literally be its final destination.”
Also starring are Alex Ferns (The Devil’s Hour), Sharon Small (The Bay), James Cosmo (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), David Threlfall (Shameless), Daniel Cahill (The Control Room), Lois Chimimba...
He’ll play opposite Alexandra Roach (The Light in the Hall) in the drama, which is from Nick Leather. Filming is underway in Glasgow, Scotland.
The BBC first announced the show in December, as we reported here. Set on a sleeper train from the Glasgow to London, the real-time drama follows a government agency desperately trying to intervene as events rapidly escalate onboard. Two strangers (Cole and Roach) are forced to work together to save the lives of disparate group of passengers, as the train hurtles towards “what might quite literally be its final destination.”
Also starring are Alex Ferns (The Devil’s Hour), Sharon Small (The Bay), James Cosmo (Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan), David Threlfall (Shameless), Daniel Cahill (The Control Room), Lois Chimimba...
- 4/23/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The top honorees at the 2023 Laurence Olivier Awards were plays that focused on cultures outside of London. “My Neighbour Totoro,” which is based on the beloved Japanese film of the same name from Studio Ghibli, won six trophies, the most of the night, including Best New Comedy, Director, and four craft categories. A revival of the American classic “A Streetcar Named Desire” by Tennessee Williams claimed three: Best Play Revival and for lead Paul Mescal and featured player Anjana Vasan. Meanwhile, the British-based “Prima Facie,” which is set to bow on Broadway this month and will thus compete at the Tony Awards, took home two prizes for Best Play and for star Jodie Comer.
The only other productions to win more than one trophy were all musicals. “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” won two of the top prizes: Best Musical and Best Original Score or New Orchestrations. “Tammy Faye,...
The only other productions to win more than one trophy were all musicals. “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” won two of the top prizes: Best Musical and Best Original Score or New Orchestrations. “Tammy Faye,...
- 4/3/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
Two new works based on existing material dominated the nominations for the 2023 Olivier Awards, the top theatre honor in Britain. “My Neighbour Totoro” and “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” lead the play and musical fields with nine and eight bids apiece. The former is a stage adaptation of the Studio Ghibli film of the same name, brought to life in a visually stunning production featuring impressive puppetry by Basil Twist. “Standing at the Sky’s Edge” uses songs from the Richard Hawley album and new material to tell the story of three families in a Sheffield housing complex.
Revivals had strong showings, too. Director Daniel Fish’s remounting of “Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!” and the Paul Mescal-led “A Streetcar Named Desire” netted seven and six nominations, respectively. This production of “Oklahoma!” previously played Broadway and received eight Tony Award nominations, including wins for Best Revival and Featured Actress...
Revivals had strong showings, too. Director Daniel Fish’s remounting of “Rodger & Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!” and the Paul Mescal-led “A Streetcar Named Desire” netted seven and six nominations, respectively. This production of “Oklahoma!” previously played Broadway and received eight Tony Award nominations, including wins for Best Revival and Featured Actress...
- 3/1/2023
- by David Buchanan
- Gold Derby
To mark the release of London Kills Series 3 on 24th October, we’ve been given a DVD copy of Season 3 to give away to 1 winner.
London’s crack team of detectives – Di David Bradford (Hugo Spear – Marcella), DC Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick – Bodyguard), DS Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small – The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) and DC Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin – Unforgotten) – return to our screens to tackle the capital’s multitude of monstrous murders. Set against the backdrop of one of the most electrifying cities in the world, this slick and gritty show sees the savvy, special team face some of their toughest cases yet.
The new series delivers a host of deadly deeds, including the murder of a schoolboy found in a lake, a case that’s too close for comfort for DS Fitzgerald, when she discovers the body of a locksmith who gave evidence against her father’s killer and...
London’s crack team of detectives – Di David Bradford (Hugo Spear – Marcella), DC Rob Brady (Bailey Patrick – Bodyguard), DS Vivienne Cole (Sharon Small – The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) and DC Billie Fitzgerald (Tori Allen-Martin – Unforgotten) – return to our screens to tackle the capital’s multitude of monstrous murders. Set against the backdrop of one of the most electrifying cities in the world, this slick and gritty show sees the savvy, special team face some of their toughest cases yet.
The new series delivers a host of deadly deeds, including the murder of a schoolboy found in a lake, a case that’s too close for comfort for DS Fitzgerald, when she discovers the body of a locksmith who gave evidence against her father’s killer and...
- 10/21/2022
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Are you ready for London Kills Season 3?
TV Fanatic scored an exclusive first look at the trailer for the new season, which premieres in the U.S. and Canada on Monday, June 6, exclusively on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streamer devoted to British and international television.
All episodes will be available on that date, meaning you can watch the entire mystery unfold without waiting week to week.
The series returns with its cutting-edge documentary style/
London Kills dramatizes the experiences of an elite murder investigation squad in central London, led by Detective Inspector David Bradford and the core cast including Sharon Small as Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole, Bailey Patrick as Detective Constable Rob Brady and Tori Allen-Martin as Trainee Detective Constable Billie Fitzgerald.
Here's the official synopsis for London Kills Season 3:
As the third season opens, the detectives investigate the fatal stabbing of a young man.
It soon becomes...
TV Fanatic scored an exclusive first look at the trailer for the new season, which premieres in the U.S. and Canada on Monday, June 6, exclusively on Acorn TV, AMC Networks’ acclaimed streamer devoted to British and international television.
All episodes will be available on that date, meaning you can watch the entire mystery unfold without waiting week to week.
The series returns with its cutting-edge documentary style/
London Kills dramatizes the experiences of an elite murder investigation squad in central London, led by Detective Inspector David Bradford and the core cast including Sharon Small as Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole, Bailey Patrick as Detective Constable Rob Brady and Tori Allen-Martin as Trainee Detective Constable Billie Fitzgerald.
Here's the official synopsis for London Kills Season 3:
As the third season opens, the detectives investigate the fatal stabbing of a young man.
It soon becomes...
- 5/12/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
AMC Networks announced renewals for six series across multiple platforms: “Kin,” “Bloodlands,” “My Life is Murder,” “London Kills,” “Creepshow” and the “Slasher” franchise. The new “Slasher” installment is entitled “Slasher: Ripper” and will star Eric McCormack as ruthless tycoon Basil Garvey. The announcements were made at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour.
“Kin,” the Irish gang drama streaming on AMC Plus, is returning for its second season. The series centers the Kinsellas, a crime family that wars with and ultimately kills powerful drug kingpin Eamon Cunningham (Ciarán Hinds). Season 2 will begin production this summer and follow the Kinsellas as they become the top dogs in Dublin but must deal with the consequences of Cunningham’s death. Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne and Aidan Gillen star. “Kin” is produced by Bron Studios and Headline Pictures. Peter McKenna serves as showrunner, executive producer, writer and creator.
Irish crime thriller “Bloodlands” has...
“Kin,” the Irish gang drama streaming on AMC Plus, is returning for its second season. The series centers the Kinsellas, a crime family that wars with and ultimately kills powerful drug kingpin Eamon Cunningham (Ciarán Hinds). Season 2 will begin production this summer and follow the Kinsellas as they become the top dogs in Dublin but must deal with the consequences of Cunningham’s death. Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne and Aidan Gillen star. “Kin” is produced by Bron Studios and Headline Pictures. Peter McKenna serves as showrunner, executive producer, writer and creator.
Irish crime thriller “Bloodlands” has...
- 2/10/2022
- by Selome Hailu
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: UK TV firm Projector Pictures has secured the rights to the trilogy of espionage thrillers written by author and journalist Charlotte Philby, the granddaughter of ‘Cambridge spy’ Kim Philby.
Projector, whose credits include upcoming Channel 5 drama The Holiday and ITV’s Kidnap and Ransom, is developing the trilogy as a returning drama series.
Part Of The Family is Philby’s debut novel and was published by Harper Collins in 2019. It was followed up by A Double Life, with the final installment in the trilogy, The Second Woman, hitting the shelves in July 2021.
The trilogy, which is linked through its themes and characters, is being adapted under the working title A Double Life. Executive producers are Projector Pictures’ Rachel Gesua (The Holiday) and Suzi McIntosh (New Tricks).
In Part Of The Family, protagonist Anna Witherall appears to have the perfect life. Married to her university boyfriend David, she has an enviable job,...
Projector, whose credits include upcoming Channel 5 drama The Holiday and ITV’s Kidnap and Ransom, is developing the trilogy as a returning drama series.
Part Of The Family is Philby’s debut novel and was published by Harper Collins in 2019. It was followed up by A Double Life, with the final installment in the trilogy, The Second Woman, hitting the shelves in July 2021.
The trilogy, which is linked through its themes and characters, is being adapted under the working title A Double Life. Executive producers are Projector Pictures’ Rachel Gesua (The Holiday) and Suzi McIntosh (New Tricks).
In Part Of The Family, protagonist Anna Witherall appears to have the perfect life. Married to her university boyfriend David, she has an enviable job,...
- 9/8/2021
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Tensions can often arise between people who clash in personality. Those conflicts can become even more amplified when detectives of differing backgrounds are forced to work together to solve murder cases. That’s certainly the case for the two lead characters of the hit British BBC One crime drama, ‘The Inspector Lynley Mysteries,’ including title protagonist, […]
The post Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small’s Friendship is Tested on The Inspector Lynley Mysteries appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Nathaniel Parker and Sharon Small’s Friendship is Tested on The Inspector Lynley Mysteries appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 5/21/2020
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
In a Gold Derby exclusive, we have learned the category placements of the key Emmy Awards contenders for Acorn TV. For this season, the company has such drama series as “Blood,” “Keeping Faith” and “London Kills” plus TV movie “Agatha Raisin and the Haunted House” and limited series “Dead Still” as part of their 2020 campaign.
Below, the list of Acorn lead and supporting submissions for their series. More names might be added by the studio on the final Emmy ballot. Also note that performers not included on this list may well be submitted by their personal reps.
SEEEmmys Best Drama Series Gallery: Every Winner in Emmy Awards History
“Agatha Raisin And The Haunted House”
TV Movie
Movie/Limited Actress – Ashley Jensen
Movie/Limited Supporting Actor – Mathew Horne
“Blood”
Drama Series
Drama Actor – Adrian Dunbar
“Dead Still”
Limited Series
Movie/Limited Actor – Michael Smiley
“Keeping Faith”
Drama Series
Drama Actress – Eve Myles...
Below, the list of Acorn lead and supporting submissions for their series. More names might be added by the studio on the final Emmy ballot. Also note that performers not included on this list may well be submitted by their personal reps.
SEEEmmys Best Drama Series Gallery: Every Winner in Emmy Awards History
“Agatha Raisin And The Haunted House”
TV Movie
Movie/Limited Actress – Ashley Jensen
Movie/Limited Supporting Actor – Mathew Horne
“Blood”
Drama Series
Drama Actor – Adrian Dunbar
“Dead Still”
Limited Series
Movie/Limited Actor – Michael Smiley
“Keeping Faith”
Drama Series
Drama Actress – Eve Myles...
- 4/30/2020
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
The Girl and Vera Drake star Imelda Staunton, Cranford star Francesca Annis, Quantico and Years and Years star Russell Tovey and The Crying Game and The Honourable Woman star Stephen Rea are to front ITV family drama Flesh and Blood.
The series is written by The Long Song writer Sarah Williams, who also wrote 2007 Anne Hathaway feature Becoming Jane. It is the story of three adult siblings — Helen, Jake and Natalie — who are thrown into disarray when their recently widowed mother Vivien declares she’s in love with a new man. Flesh and Blood is directed by Cheat and Cold Feet‘s Louise Hooper.
The cast also includes Claudie Blakley (Manhunt), Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack), Sharon Small (Trust Me), Lara Rossi (Crossing Lines), Keir Charles (Love Actually), Vincent Regan (Victoria), David Bamber (The Bourne Identity), Stephanie Langton (Ransom) and Clara Indrani (Vera).
Blakley plays Helen, Tovey plays Jake and Leonard plays Natalie.
The series is written by The Long Song writer Sarah Williams, who also wrote 2007 Anne Hathaway feature Becoming Jane. It is the story of three adult siblings — Helen, Jake and Natalie — who are thrown into disarray when their recently widowed mother Vivien declares she’s in love with a new man. Flesh and Blood is directed by Cheat and Cold Feet‘s Louise Hooper.
The cast also includes Claudie Blakley (Manhunt), Lydia Leonard (Gentleman Jack), Sharon Small (Trust Me), Lara Rossi (Crossing Lines), Keir Charles (Love Actually), Vincent Regan (Victoria), David Bamber (The Bourne Identity), Stephanie Langton (Ransom) and Clara Indrani (Vera).
Blakley plays Helen, Tovey plays Jake and Leonard plays Natalie.
- 6/10/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
In a Gold Derby exclusive, we have learned the category placements of the key Emmy Awards contenders for Acorn TV. For this season, the streamer has TV movie “Agatha Raisin and the Curious Curate,” limited series “London Kills” and “Pitching In” and drama series “Queens of Mystery” as part of their 2019 campaign.
Below, the list of Acorn TV lead and supporting submissions for their drama, TV movie and limited series. More names might be added by the company on the final Emmy ballot. Also note that performers not included on this list may well be submitted by their personal reps.
See over dozens of interviews with 2019 Emmy Awards contenders
“Agatha Raisin And The Curious Curate”
TV Movie
Movie/Limited Series Actress – Ashley Jensen
“London Kills”
Limited Series
Movie/Limited Series Actress – Sharon Small
Movie/Limited Series Actor – Hugo Speers
“Pitching In”
Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actress – Hayley Mills
“Queens Of...
Below, the list of Acorn TV lead and supporting submissions for their drama, TV movie and limited series. More names might be added by the company on the final Emmy ballot. Also note that performers not included on this list may well be submitted by their personal reps.
See over dozens of interviews with 2019 Emmy Awards contenders
“Agatha Raisin And The Curious Curate”
TV Movie
Movie/Limited Series Actress – Ashley Jensen
“London Kills”
Limited Series
Movie/Limited Series Actress – Sharon Small
Movie/Limited Series Actor – Hugo Speers
“Pitching In”
Movie/Limited Series Supporting Actress – Hayley Mills
“Queens Of...
- 5/1/2019
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
“London Kills” is coming home after the BBC picked up the series, which is an original for the U.S. streamer Acorn TV. Much like BBC America’s “Killing Eve,” the series launched outside the U.K. and has been acquired by pubcaster the BBC.
“London Kills” follows an elite team of cops as they investigate murders taking place in the titular English capital. Sharon Small, Hugo Speer, Bailey Patrick, and Tori Allen-Martin star.
The series has launched in North America and elsewhere internationally on British drama skewed streamer Acorn TV, which is moving heavily into original scripted. AMC, a joint venture partner in “Killing Eve” channel BBC America also owns Rlj, the parent company of “London Kills” streamer Acorn TV.
Acorn Media International distributes “London Kills” and struck the BBC deal, its first with a free-tv broadcaster in the U.K. The agreement covers two seasons of the show.
“London Kills” follows an elite team of cops as they investigate murders taking place in the titular English capital. Sharon Small, Hugo Speer, Bailey Patrick, and Tori Allen-Martin star.
The series has launched in North America and elsewhere internationally on British drama skewed streamer Acorn TV, which is moving heavily into original scripted. AMC, a joint venture partner in “Killing Eve” channel BBC America also owns Rlj, the parent company of “London Kills” streamer Acorn TV.
Acorn Media International distributes “London Kills” and struck the BBC deal, its first with a free-tv broadcaster in the U.K. The agreement covers two seasons of the show.
- 4/4/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
The Woman in White’s Olivia Vinall, The Bletchley Circle’s Julie Graham and The Politician’s Husband’s Sarah Woodward are set to star in Acorn TV original Queens of Mystery.
The trio are joined in the six-part female detective series by Siobhan Redmond (Alfresco), Andrew Leung (Doctor Who), Rebecca Grant (Holby City) and Martin Trenaman (The Inbetweeners).
Queens of Mystery follows Matilda Stone, played by Vinall, a perennially single female detective and her three aunts, played by Graham, Woodward and Redmond, who are well-known crime writers that help her solve whodunit style murders as well as set her up on blind dates
Leung plays the dashing Dr. Daniel Lynch, Grant as Daniel’s mean-spirited girlfriend Natasha; Michael Elcock as Police Constable Terry Foster, who has long been in love with Matilda and Trenaman plays dry Inspector Derek Throne.
The Amelie-esque contemporary murder mystery series will feature quirky characters,...
The trio are joined in the six-part female detective series by Siobhan Redmond (Alfresco), Andrew Leung (Doctor Who), Rebecca Grant (Holby City) and Martin Trenaman (The Inbetweeners).
Queens of Mystery follows Matilda Stone, played by Vinall, a perennially single female detective and her three aunts, played by Graham, Woodward and Redmond, who are well-known crime writers that help her solve whodunit style murders as well as set her up on blind dates
Leung plays the dashing Dr. Daniel Lynch, Grant as Daniel’s mean-spirited girlfriend Natasha; Michael Elcock as Police Constable Terry Foster, who has long been in love with Matilda and Trenaman plays dry Inspector Derek Throne.
The Amelie-esque contemporary murder mystery series will feature quirky characters,...
- 9/6/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Acorn TV is continuing its move into original drama with female detective series Queens of Mystery.
The Svod service has ordered the six-part series from British production company Sly Fox Productions in association with Ferncroft Media and it comes hot on the heels of the order of Hugo Speer and Sharon Small-fronted London Kills and the second season of Ashley Jensen’s Agatha Raisin.
Queens of Mystery was created by New Tricks and Doc Martin writer Julian Unthank and will air in the U.S. and in English-speaking territories via Acorn TV as three feature-length episodes as well as six 45 minute episodes. It will launch in 2019 and will be distributed internationally by Zdf Enterprises.
Queens of Mystery follows a perennially single female detective and her three aunts, who are well-known crime writers that help her solve whodunit style murders as well as set her up on blind dates. The...
The Svod service has ordered the six-part series from British production company Sly Fox Productions in association with Ferncroft Media and it comes hot on the heels of the order of Hugo Speer and Sharon Small-fronted London Kills and the second season of Ashley Jensen’s Agatha Raisin.
Queens of Mystery was created by New Tricks and Doc Martin writer Julian Unthank and will air in the U.S. and in English-speaking territories via Acorn TV as three feature-length episodes as well as six 45 minute episodes. It will launch in 2019 and will be distributed internationally by Zdf Enterprises.
Queens of Mystery follows a perennially single female detective and her three aunts, who are well-known crime writers that help her solve whodunit style murders as well as set her up on blind dates. The...
- 8/1/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Britannia star Hugo Speer and Trust Me’s Sharon Small are to lead the cast for U.S. Svod service Acorn’s first straight-to-series commission.
The pair are joined by Casualty and EastEnders actor Bailey Patrick and newcomer Tori Allen-Martin in the five-part drama, which will tell the story of a team of top murder detectives and will be shot like a documentary. Each episode will feature a different murder in addition to a serialized story involving the lead detective’s missing wife.
Speer, who has also starred in ITV’s Marcella and BBC’s The Musketeers, stars as Detective Inspector David Bradford, who comes back to work after his wife goes missing and there are still no significant leads on her case. Small plays ambitious Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole, who has been running the murder team in David’s absence and is frustrated by David’s approach to their investigations.
The pair are joined by Casualty and EastEnders actor Bailey Patrick and newcomer Tori Allen-Martin in the five-part drama, which will tell the story of a team of top murder detectives and will be shot like a documentary. Each episode will feature a different murder in addition to a serialized story involving the lead detective’s missing wife.
Speer, who has also starred in ITV’s Marcella and BBC’s The Musketeers, stars as Detective Inspector David Bradford, who comes back to work after his wife goes missing and there are still no significant leads on her case. Small plays ambitious Detective Sergeant Vivienne Cole, who has been running the murder team in David’s absence and is frustrated by David’s approach to their investigations.
- 6/25/2018
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Louisa Mellor Aug 15, 2017
The pressure grows on Cath as she's forced to tell more lies in Trust Me’s second episode...
This review contains spoilers.
See related Top Of The Lake - China Girl episode 3 review: Surrogate Top Of The Lake - China Girl episode 2 review: The Loved One Top Of The Lake: China Girl episode 1 review
I’m not one for irritable reaching after fact and reason when it comes to TV drama. How does so-and-so afford a flat like that on a part-time superhero salary? I don’t much care. How did thingamabob drive all the way up there to launch that nuke without once stopping for petrol? Couldn’t give a fig.
We just want to be told a good story. TV isn’t real life - pointing out its logistical inaccuracies is a fun pub game at best and pedantically humourless at worst. Few of us...
The pressure grows on Cath as she's forced to tell more lies in Trust Me’s second episode...
This review contains spoilers.
See related Top Of The Lake - China Girl episode 3 review: Surrogate Top Of The Lake - China Girl episode 2 review: The Loved One Top Of The Lake: China Girl episode 1 review
I’m not one for irritable reaching after fact and reason when it comes to TV drama. How does so-and-so afford a flat like that on a part-time superhero salary? I don’t much care. How did thingamabob drive all the way up there to launch that nuke without once stopping for petrol? Couldn’t give a fig.
We just want to be told a good story. TV isn’t real life - pointing out its logistical inaccuracies is a fun pub game at best and pedantically humourless at worst. Few of us...
- 8/15/2017
- Den of Geek
'About a Boy,' with Hugh Grant and Baby 'About a Boy' movie review: Some men should remain islands On the surface, Chris and Paul Weitz's 2002 movie About a Boy has a profound, affecting premise. No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. With the above statement, seventeenth-century English poet John Donne reached beyond the apparent isolation of each individual by affirming the invisible oneness that encompasses all of humankind – and, why not, all living creatures.
- 5/12/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Peter Mullan and Christian Cooke have been announced for BBC drama Stonemouth.
Based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name, the two-part dramatisation will also feature Glue actress Charlotte Spencer as well as Sharon Small and Gary Lewis.
The story centres on Stewart Gilmour (Cooke), who returns to Stonemouth village for a funeral, one year after he was run out of town by a criminal family.
Stewart aims to solve the mystery behind his friend's suicide, while dealing with the past.
Mullan has signed on to play Don Murston, the head of the criminal organisation. Spencer and Small will star as Don's daughter and mother, Ellie and Connie, respectively.
Meanwhile, Lewis will appear as local businessman Mike MacAvett.
Brian Gleeson, Joy McAvoy, Adam Robertson, Kevin Mains, Jack Greenlees, Gerard Miller, Gilly Gilchrist, Chris Fulton and Naomi Battrick have also been cast.
Stonemouth will begin shooting this month and air next year.
Based on the Iain Banks novel of the same name, the two-part dramatisation will also feature Glue actress Charlotte Spencer as well as Sharon Small and Gary Lewis.
The story centres on Stewart Gilmour (Cooke), who returns to Stonemouth village for a funeral, one year after he was run out of town by a criminal family.
Stewart aims to solve the mystery behind his friend's suicide, while dealing with the past.
Mullan has signed on to play Don Murston, the head of the criminal organisation. Spencer and Small will star as Don's daughter and mother, Ellie and Connie, respectively.
Meanwhile, Lewis will appear as local businessman Mike MacAvett.
Brian Gleeson, Joy McAvoy, Adam Robertson, Kevin Mains, Jack Greenlees, Gerard Miller, Gilly Gilchrist, Chris Fulton and Naomi Battrick have also been cast.
Stonemouth will begin shooting this month and air next year.
- 10/20/2014
- Digital Spy
You know what we do by now, and we know you love us for it - sometimes. The Tube Talk Q&A is back for another edition, filled with telly gossip that'll shock you stiff as a waxwork, or at least prove mildly interesting.
Read on for all the details on your favourite shows below.
Any idea when the fifth season of Rookie Blue will air in the UK?
Firstly, Jessica Jolly, you have an amazing name. We imagine it'd be impossible to feel unhappy when hanging with The Jolly.
Anyway, less arsing about - you came here for details on the return of Canadian cop drama Rookie Blue and we're darn well going to give you some. After chatting to our pals over at the Universal Channel, we can confirm that Missy Peregrym and Gregory Smith will be back for season five on Sunday, July 20 at 9pm. We hope that makes you Jolly,...
Read on for all the details on your favourite shows below.
Any idea when the fifth season of Rookie Blue will air in the UK?
Firstly, Jessica Jolly, you have an amazing name. We imagine it'd be impossible to feel unhappy when hanging with The Jolly.
Anyway, less arsing about - you came here for details on the return of Canadian cop drama Rookie Blue and we're darn well going to give you some. After chatting to our pals over at the Universal Channel, we can confirm that Missy Peregrym and Gregory Smith will be back for season five on Sunday, July 20 at 9pm. We hope that makes you Jolly,...
- 5/29/2014
- Digital Spy
ITV has confirmed a rescheduled date for the Law & Order: UK series eight finale.
The channel opted to pull 'Repeat to Fade' from its original slot on April 30, due to similarities between the episode's plot and the real-life stabbing of a school-teacher.
The episode - written by Richard Stokes - will now air on Wednesday, June 11 at 9pm.
Sharon Small will make her debut as new Detective Inspector Elizabeth Flynn, following the departure of Paterson Joseph as Wes Layton.
Flynn is a former beat cop "who likes to get her hands dirty" but is relegated to desk duty after being shot in the line of duty.
Sharon Small joins Law & Order: UK - new star talks last night's twist
Watch a trailer for the Law & Order: UK series eight finale:...
The channel opted to pull 'Repeat to Fade' from its original slot on April 30, due to similarities between the episode's plot and the real-life stabbing of a school-teacher.
The episode - written by Richard Stokes - will now air on Wednesday, June 11 at 9pm.
Sharon Small will make her debut as new Detective Inspector Elizabeth Flynn, following the departure of Paterson Joseph as Wes Layton.
Flynn is a former beat cop "who likes to get her hands dirty" but is relegated to desk duty after being shot in the line of duty.
Sharon Small joins Law & Order: UK - new star talks last night's twist
Watch a trailer for the Law & Order: UK series eight finale:...
- 5/29/2014
- Digital Spy
ITV has pulled the Law & Order: UK series eight finale from tonight's schedules.
'Repeat to Fade' was intended to air tonight (April 30) at 9pm, but will now be replaced by a repeat.
The episode - written by Richard Stokes - charts the investigation into the stabbing of a young woman.
In a statement, ITV said: "A change has been made to tonight's schedule in light of recent news events, and a different episode of Law & Order: UK will air on ITV this evening."
Ann Maguire - a 61-year-old teacher - was stabbed to death at a school in Leeds on Monday (April 28).
Sharon Small joins Law & Order: UK - new star talks last night's twist
Watch a Digital Spy exclusive trailer for the Law & Order: UK series eight finale:...
'Repeat to Fade' was intended to air tonight (April 30) at 9pm, but will now be replaced by a repeat.
The episode - written by Richard Stokes - charts the investigation into the stabbing of a young woman.
In a statement, ITV said: "A change has been made to tonight's schedule in light of recent news events, and a different episode of Law & Order: UK will air on ITV this evening."
Ann Maguire - a 61-year-old teacher - was stabbed to death at a school in Leeds on Monday (April 28).
Sharon Small joins Law & Order: UK - new star talks last night's twist
Watch a Digital Spy exclusive trailer for the Law & Order: UK series eight finale:...
- 4/30/2014
- Digital Spy
Digital Spy has an exclusive first look at the Law & Order: UK series 8 finale.
'Repeat to Fade' - written by Richard Stokes - marks the debut of Sharon Small as Di Elizabeth Flynn, following the murder of Paterson Joseph's Wes Layton.
Flynn's relationship with Ronnie Brooks gets off to a difficult start when the integrity of Bradley Walsh's veteran copper is called into question.
Facing accusations of racism, Brooks faces the prospect of a criminal case collapsing - are his days on the job numbered?
Law & Order: UK series 8 draws to a close this Wednesday (April 30) at 9pm.
Sharon Small joins Law & Order: UK - new star talks last night's twist
Law & Order: UK - Why it's British TV's most underrated crime drama...
'Repeat to Fade' - written by Richard Stokes - marks the debut of Sharon Small as Di Elizabeth Flynn, following the murder of Paterson Joseph's Wes Layton.
Flynn's relationship with Ronnie Brooks gets off to a difficult start when the integrity of Bradley Walsh's veteran copper is called into question.
Facing accusations of racism, Brooks faces the prospect of a criminal case collapsing - are his days on the job numbered?
Law & Order: UK series 8 draws to a close this Wednesday (April 30) at 9pm.
Sharon Small joins Law & Order: UK - new star talks last night's twist
Law & Order: UK - Why it's British TV's most underrated crime drama...
- 4/28/2014
- Digital Spy
Warning: This interview contains spoilers that some readers may prefer to avoid.
Last night, the Law & Order: UK team lost one of their own - latest episode 'Hard Stop' saw Di Wes Leyton (Paterson Joseph) killed off in a stunning twist.
Next week's Series 8 finale 'Repeat to Fade' introduces new Detective Inspector Elizabeth Flynn - played by acclaimed Scottish actress Sharon Small.
A few weeks back, Digital Spy had a quick, top-secret chat with Sharon to talk Wes's death, Flynn's arrival and the future of Law & Order: UK.
What can you reveal about your character on Law & Order: UK?
"Basically Paterson [Di Wes Leyton] is killed, and he's an old friend of Bradley's [DS Ronnie Brooks] character. Obviously, there's a lot of deep roots.
"Then they bring me in - a former beat-cop - so she's normally someone who likes to get her hands dirty and do the actual police work. But she's been promoted to...
Last night, the Law & Order: UK team lost one of their own - latest episode 'Hard Stop' saw Di Wes Leyton (Paterson Joseph) killed off in a stunning twist.
Next week's Series 8 finale 'Repeat to Fade' introduces new Detective Inspector Elizabeth Flynn - played by acclaimed Scottish actress Sharon Small.
A few weeks back, Digital Spy had a quick, top-secret chat with Sharon to talk Wes's death, Flynn's arrival and the future of Law & Order: UK.
What can you reveal about your character on Law & Order: UK?
"Basically Paterson [Di Wes Leyton] is killed, and he's an old friend of Bradley's [DS Ronnie Brooks] character. Obviously, there's a lot of deep roots.
"Then they bring me in - a former beat-cop - so she's normally someone who likes to get her hands dirty and do the actual police work. But she's been promoted to...
- 4/24/2014
- Digital Spy
Alyssa Milano has been cast in the Us remake of Mistresses. The Charmed actress will play Savannah, a married attorney who begins an affair with a colleague, in the ABC series. Her role appears to be the counterpart of the character played by Orla Brady in the original BBC format, which also starred Sarah Parish, Sharon Small and Shelley Conn. (more)...
- 3/23/2012
- by By Daniel Sperling
- Digital Spy
Yunjin Kim has joined the cast of new ABC drama Mistresses. The show is based on the well-known British series about a group of women struggling to deal with illicit relationships. The original series starred Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Shelley Conn, and Orla Brady. Deadline reports that Kim has joined the programme as one of the four leads, with Rochelle Aytes and Jes Macallan already cast. She will play Katie, a therapist who was having an (more)...
- 3/18/2012
- by By Zeba Blay
- Digital Spy
ABC has ordered a remake of the British drama Mistresses. The network has decided to skip the pilot stage with the project and the show's first season will be aired in summer 2013, Deadline reports. The original Mistresses, which focused on the complicated love lives of four female friends, aired three seasons in the UK from 2008 to 2010. The cast included Terra Nova's Shelley Conn and Fringe's Orla Brady alongside Pillars of the Earth's Sarah Parish and Sharon Small, who recently appeared in an episode of Downton Abbey. The American (more)...
- 2/9/2012
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Exclusive: Mistresses, the drama soap from The Nine co-creator Kj Steinberg, which had been on the short list at ABC for a pilot order for fall, is getting a straight-to-series pickup for summer instead. The network has greenlighted the project to series targeted for summer 2013. Based on the British format, Mistresses, whose setup evokes ABC’s departing Desperate Housewives, is described as a provocative thrilling drama that finds four women with scandalous romantic lives, caught in storms of excitement and self-discovery, secrecy and betrayal, and at the mercy of the complex relationships they’ve created. Steinberg wrote the adaptation, which is being executive produced by Bob Sertner and Ecosse Films’ Douglas Rae for ABC Studios. The original series, which ran for 3 seasons on BBC One, is carried in the U.S. by BBC America. Produced by Ecosse, it was created by Rachel Anthony, S.J. Clarkson and Lowri Glain and starred Sarah Parish,...
- 2/8/2012
- by NELLIE ANDREEVA
- Deadline TV
Downton Abbey Christmas 2011
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
ITV have confirmed that the 2011 Downton Abbey Christmas special will go head-to-head with the BBC’s 9 p.m. broadcast of Eastenders a.k.a. – The Death of Pat. The two hour special will pick up where season two left off with Mr Bates going on trial for the wife of his murder. Recent Best British TV interviewee Joanne Froggatt stands by her man as Anna but Bates’ old nemesis O’Brien could make or break the case when she is called upon to take the witness stand. Meanwhile, Mary considers the consequences of ending her relationship with the increasingly unpleasant Sir Richard and Matthew Crawley wonders whether it is time to put his feelings for both the late Lavinia and the troubled Mary to rest.
Nigel Havers. co. BBC...
N Conrad
Click here to friend Best British TV on Facebook or here to follow us on Twitter.
ITV have confirmed that the 2011 Downton Abbey Christmas special will go head-to-head with the BBC’s 9 p.m. broadcast of Eastenders a.k.a. – The Death of Pat. The two hour special will pick up where season two left off with Mr Bates going on trial for the wife of his murder. Recent Best British TV interviewee Joanne Froggatt stands by her man as Anna but Bates’ old nemesis O’Brien could make or break the case when she is called upon to take the witness stand. Meanwhile, Mary considers the consequences of ending her relationship with the increasingly unpleasant Sir Richard and Matthew Crawley wonders whether it is time to put his feelings for both the late Lavinia and the troubled Mary to rest.
Nigel Havers. co. BBC...
- 11/29/2011
- by admin
Sharon Small and Madhur Mittal are among the stars joining the new series of ITV's drama Kidnap & Ransom. ITV announced that it had renewed the Trevor Eve drama for a second series in May. Eve and his co-stars Helen Baxendale, Natasha Little and Amara Karan will all be returning for the new episodes, and ITV has now announced the guest stars who are also joining the show. Small previously played Trudi in Mistresses and her other credits include Downton Abbey, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries and Sunburn. Meanwhile, Mittal is best known for his role in the movie Slumdog Millionaire. (more)...
- 9/5/2011
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Nigel Havers has joined the cast of ITV1's period drama Downton Abbey. Havers, who took part in reality series I'm A Celebrity... in 2010, will play aristocrat Lord Hepworth when the show returns later this year. Sharon Small (Mistresses, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries) will also have a major role in the ITV1 hit, according to The Mirror. Small will play Marigold Shore, a housemaid of Lady Rosamond (Samantha Bond). A show rep said: "We're (more)...
- 7/21/2011
- by By Alex Fletcher
- Digital Spy
Nigel Havers has joined the cast of 'Downton Abbey'. The former 'Coronation Street' charmer - who played male escort Lewis Archer in the ITV1 soap earlier this year - will portray aristocrat Lord Hepworth when the period drama returns to screens this Christmas. Additionally, 'The Inspector Linley Mysteries' star Sharon Small has also been signed up for a major role in the ITV1 show in a bid to "keep up the momentum" of 'Downton' following the success of series one last year. An insider said: "Nigel and Sharon will be the perfect additions to this year's 'Downton'. They are incredibly talented actors and...
- 7/19/2011
- Virgin Media - TV
Sharon Small has revealed that she wants viewers to relate to the characters on Mistresses. Speaking to What's On TV, Small explained that the current series has explored new sides to the four women. "In this series, everyone has shown different sides and facets of their characters," she said. "In life when friendships hit crunch points like that, you either split completely or come together, move on and grow." She added: "I hope viewers have related to these four women who are all flawed (more)...
- 8/18/2010
- by By Catriona Wightman
- Digital Spy
Robbie Coltrane has described his new ITV1 drama as "intensely emotional". The 59-year-old actor stars in Murderland - alongside Lucy Cohu and Sharon Small - as a detective investigating a murder which has remained unsolved for 15 years. "It was intensely emotional - and it was designed to be intensely emotional," he told Radio Times. Describing the three-part series, in which he plays Detective Inspector Douglas Hain, he (more)...
- 10/14/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
Mistresses is returning to BBC One for a third and final series, it has been announced. The final instalment of the show - starring Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Orla Brady and Shelley Conn - will consist of four hour-long episodes with a focus on love, betrayal, loss, and forgiveness. "Mistresses - The Last Act is a final four-part special event that will bring the stories of the four mistresses to a dramatic (more)...
- 7/9/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
Money. Sex. Death. Lies. Love. Betrayal. Affairs. Marriage. Scandal. Mistresses.
There’s good television. There’s bad television. And then there’s Mistresses. In general, soap operas and reality shows are considered to be bad TV. It’s not that you don’t ever watch it; it’s just that you recognize a certain badness and lack of insight and any genuine storytelling. At every turn they’re out to create drama, keep you hooked, and basically keep you semi-zoned out as the hours pass during a long day of Days of Our Lives or an afternoon marathon of America’s Next Top Model (boy, has that show slumped over the seasons). Oppositely, good television shows are ones like the HBO gold, The Sopranos, or a highly rated cop or hospital drama. These shows are expensive to produce and play with the quality of a movie.
Then there are shows like BBC America’s Mistresses.
There’s good television. There’s bad television. And then there’s Mistresses. In general, soap operas and reality shows are considered to be bad TV. It’s not that you don’t ever watch it; it’s just that you recognize a certain badness and lack of insight and any genuine storytelling. At every turn they’re out to create drama, keep you hooked, and basically keep you semi-zoned out as the hours pass during a long day of Days of Our Lives or an afternoon marathon of America’s Next Top Model (boy, has that show slumped over the seasons). Oppositely, good television shows are ones like the HBO gold, The Sopranos, or a highly rated cop or hospital drama. These shows are expensive to produce and play with the quality of a movie.
Then there are shows like BBC America’s Mistresses.
- 6/17/2009
- by Erin Burris
- JustPressPlay.net
Sharon Small, Amanda Hale and David Gyasi have been added to the cast of ITV1's Murderland. The 3 x 60-minute drama, written by David Pirie and directed by Catherine Morshead, stars the previously announced Robbie Coltrane. Lucy Cohu, Nicholas Gleaves, David Westhead, Andrew Tiernan and Bel Powley are also confirmed for the project, which features one murder told from three different (more)...
- 6/1/2009
- by By Dan French
- Digital Spy
Mistresses premieres this Friday at 9pm on BBCAmerica, and it might just what the night's lineup was looking for. A smart, sophisticated drama full of quirks and rich characters, Mistresses is odd enough to hook you and well-written enough to keep you coming back for more. Katie p/c Ecosse Films The story centers around four friends with one glaring commonality, infidelity. The plot develops as a play on microcosmic metaphor for the general "friends as family" world in which we now live. Think Desperate Housewives, but with less focus on dramtic spins that arise to bounce around watercoolers, and far more exploration of legitimately detailed and complicated characters. The show stars four well-known British actresses in an interesting amalgam of character directions. Katie (Sarah Parrish) is a respected doctor, and to some degree or another she is the leader of the group of friends. Assuming of course that groups of friends have leaders.
- 2/18/2009
- by Marc Eastman
- AreYouScreening.com
BBC America heats things up next month as a new drama/thriller series Mistresses makes its U.S. debut on February 20 at 8p. The plot centers on four thirtysomething college friends, played by British actresses Sarah Parish, Sharon Small, Orla Brady and Shelley Conn, who all have experienced infidelity and love. Following the premiere, episodes will air Fridays at 9p.
http://enews.cynopsis.com/html.asp?XZY1372113UTF59...
http://enews.cynopsis.com/html.asp?XZY1372113UTF59...
- 1/14/2009
- by cynthia@cynopsis.com
- Cynopsis.com/
L to R: Sharon Small, Orla Brady, and Shelley Conn (1/10/09)
Mistresses is a six-episode British drama series coming to BBC America in February about a group of female friends with relationship problems — including Shelley Conn (Nina's Heavenly Delights) as a promiscuous, commitment event planner who falls for one of her clients, played by Anna Torv, who is now the star of the Fox supernatural drama Fringe. (Americans who don't mind some spoilers can read our review of the first season.)
The show is a hit in the U.K., with a sizeable audience of about 6 million viewers, according to Mistresses executive producer Douglas Rae — "mainly women, but men buy the DVDs, I suspect looking for extras which aren't on it."
Most of the cast (minus Sarah Parish, who plays Dr. Katie Roden), creators, and BBC execs were on a panel on Saturday at the Television Critics Association Winter Tour in L.
Mistresses is a six-episode British drama series coming to BBC America in February about a group of female friends with relationship problems — including Shelley Conn (Nina's Heavenly Delights) as a promiscuous, commitment event planner who falls for one of her clients, played by Anna Torv, who is now the star of the Fox supernatural drama Fringe. (Americans who don't mind some spoilers can read our review of the first season.)
The show is a hit in the U.K., with a sizeable audience of about 6 million viewers, according to Mistresses executive producer Douglas Rae — "mainly women, but men buy the DVDs, I suspect looking for extras which aren't on it."
Most of the cast (minus Sarah Parish, who plays Dr. Katie Roden), creators, and BBC execs were on a panel on Saturday at the Television Critics Association Winter Tour in L.
- 1/12/2009
- by sarahwarn
- AfterEllen.com
CANNES -- Scottish screenwriter Andrea Gibb is on a roll with "Dear Frankie", a gem of a picture that, like her Edinburgh Film Festival success "AfterLife", has flinty characters dealing with everyday hardships who are suddenly faced with a predicament of their own making.
First-time director Shona Auerbach, a photographer who has been successful making commercials, leaves the slick surfaces of that world behind to craft a deeply felt human drama that she also shot beautifully. With Miramax International at the helm, a film that derives much from a sense of geography and seamanship should travel well.
Emily Mortimer and Jack McElhone, who both appeared last year in "Young Adam", here are mother and son in the port town of Greenock, where they have fled once again to escape the grasp of her ex-husband. The boy, Frankie, is deaf and can barely speak, but he wasn't born that way. It was "a present from Daddy," as his mother, Lizzie, puts it. But he's a very bright boy, intelligent and quick. He also has the kind of resolve that allows him to make a friend out of a cocky kid sitting next to him in class who scrawls "Def Boy" on the desk. Frankie smiles and corrects his spelling.
The lad is unaware of his mother's fears; he just wishes they would settle down somewhere. Lizzie has told him that his dad is a sailor on a ship named Accra, and Frankie writes to him diligently, tracking his travels on a huge wall map. He doesn't know that his letters go only as far as his mother, who writes back letters as if they were from his father.
It goes well until one day they learn that a ship named Accra is headed for Greenock. Frankie's school friend makes him a bet that his dad won't want to see him. It's a bet Frankie can't turn down, and it leaves his mum with a huge dilemma.
Enter a tall, dark stranger, but in the sure hands of Gibb and Auerbach, this Scottish sailor (Gerard Butler) is not quite the nameless man with no history that Lizzie has in mind, and his stint pretending to be Frankie's dad leads to many more complications.
The potential for sickly sentiment is high with all these ingredients, but there is nothing mawkish about the film. The beautiful Mortimer appealingly understates her glamour. She and a sterling cast, including Mary Riggans as her mother and Sharon Small as a new friend, all bring steel to their characters. McElhone shines in the difficult task of acting with an affliction, and he doesn't put a foot wrong. Butler ("Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life") downplays his movie-star presence to play a man of quiet mystery and strength.
The movie is filled with small moments of tenderness, insight and considerable wisdom, like when Lizzie says she thought Frankie would give up on writing to his dad, but she's glad he didn't. "It's the only way I can hear his voice," she says.
DEAR FRANKIE
Presented by Miramax Films & Pathe Pictures in association with the UK Film Council and Scottish Screen. A Scorpio Films Production in association with Sigma Films. Produced in association with Inside Track Productions.
Credits:
Director and cinematographer: Shona Auerbach
Screenwriter: Andrea Gibb
Producer: Caroline Wood
Co-producers: Gillian Berrie, Matthew T. Gannon
Executive producers: Stephan Evans, Angus Finney, Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Duncan Reid
Production designer: Jennifer Kernke
Editor: Oral Norrie Ottey
Original music: Alex Heffes
Costume designer: Carole K. Millar
Cast:
Lizzie: Emily Mortimer
Frankie: Jack McElhone
Stranger: Gerard Butler
Marie: Sharon Small
Nell: Mary Riggans
Catriona: Jayd Johnson
Ricky Monroe: Sean Brown
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 105 minutes...
First-time director Shona Auerbach, a photographer who has been successful making commercials, leaves the slick surfaces of that world behind to craft a deeply felt human drama that she also shot beautifully. With Miramax International at the helm, a film that derives much from a sense of geography and seamanship should travel well.
Emily Mortimer and Jack McElhone, who both appeared last year in "Young Adam", here are mother and son in the port town of Greenock, where they have fled once again to escape the grasp of her ex-husband. The boy, Frankie, is deaf and can barely speak, but he wasn't born that way. It was "a present from Daddy," as his mother, Lizzie, puts it. But he's a very bright boy, intelligent and quick. He also has the kind of resolve that allows him to make a friend out of a cocky kid sitting next to him in class who scrawls "Def Boy" on the desk. Frankie smiles and corrects his spelling.
The lad is unaware of his mother's fears; he just wishes they would settle down somewhere. Lizzie has told him that his dad is a sailor on a ship named Accra, and Frankie writes to him diligently, tracking his travels on a huge wall map. He doesn't know that his letters go only as far as his mother, who writes back letters as if they were from his father.
It goes well until one day they learn that a ship named Accra is headed for Greenock. Frankie's school friend makes him a bet that his dad won't want to see him. It's a bet Frankie can't turn down, and it leaves his mum with a huge dilemma.
Enter a tall, dark stranger, but in the sure hands of Gibb and Auerbach, this Scottish sailor (Gerard Butler) is not quite the nameless man with no history that Lizzie has in mind, and his stint pretending to be Frankie's dad leads to many more complications.
The potential for sickly sentiment is high with all these ingredients, but there is nothing mawkish about the film. The beautiful Mortimer appealingly understates her glamour. She and a sterling cast, including Mary Riggans as her mother and Sharon Small as a new friend, all bring steel to their characters. McElhone shines in the difficult task of acting with an affliction, and he doesn't put a foot wrong. Butler ("Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life") downplays his movie-star presence to play a man of quiet mystery and strength.
The movie is filled with small moments of tenderness, insight and considerable wisdom, like when Lizzie says she thought Frankie would give up on writing to his dad, but she's glad he didn't. "It's the only way I can hear his voice," she says.
DEAR FRANKIE
Presented by Miramax Films & Pathe Pictures in association with the UK Film Council and Scottish Screen. A Scorpio Films Production in association with Sigma Films. Produced in association with Inside Track Productions.
Credits:
Director and cinematographer: Shona Auerbach
Screenwriter: Andrea Gibb
Producer: Caroline Wood
Co-producers: Gillian Berrie, Matthew T. Gannon
Executive producers: Stephan Evans, Angus Finney, Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Duncan Reid
Production designer: Jennifer Kernke
Editor: Oral Norrie Ottey
Original music: Alex Heffes
Costume designer: Carole K. Millar
Cast:
Lizzie: Emily Mortimer
Frankie: Jack McElhone
Stranger: Gerard Butler
Marie: Sharon Small
Nell: Mary Riggans
Catriona: Jayd Johnson
Ricky Monroe: Sean Brown
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 105 minutes...
CANNES -- Scottish screenwriter Andrea Gibb is on a roll with "Dear Frankie", a gem of a picture that, like her Edinburgh Film Festival success "AfterLife", has flinty characters dealing with everyday hardships who are suddenly faced with a predicament of their own making.
First-time director Shona Auerbach, a photographer who has been successful making commercials, leaves the slick surfaces of that world behind to craft a deeply felt human drama that she also shot beautifully. With Miramax International at the helm, a film that derives much from a sense of geography and seamanship should travel well.
Emily Mortimer and Jack McElhone, who both appeared last year in "Young Adam", here are mother and son in the port town of Greenock, where they have fled once again to escape the grasp of her ex-husband. The boy, Frankie, is deaf and can barely speak, but he wasn't born that way. It was "a present from Daddy," as his mother, Lizzie, puts it. But he's a very bright boy, intelligent and quick. He also has the kind of resolve that allows him to make a friend out of a cocky kid sitting next to him in class who scrawls "Def Boy" on the desk. Frankie smiles and corrects his spelling.
The lad is unaware of his mother's fears; he just wishes they would settle down somewhere. Lizzie has told him that his dad is a sailor on a ship named Accra, and Frankie writes to him diligently, tracking his travels on a huge wall map. He doesn't know that his letters go only as far as his mother, who writes back letters as if they were from his father.
It goes well until one day they learn that a ship named Accra is headed for Greenock. Frankie's school friend makes him a bet that his dad won't want to see him. It's a bet Frankie can't turn down, and it leaves his mum with a huge dilemma.
Enter a tall, dark stranger, but in the sure hands of Gibb and Auerbach, this Scottish sailor (Gerard Butler) is not quite the nameless man with no history that Lizzie has in mind, and his stint pretending to be Frankie's dad leads to many more complications.
The potential for sickly sentiment is high with all these ingredients, but there is nothing mawkish about the film. The beautiful Mortimer appealingly understates her glamour. She and a sterling cast, including Mary Riggans as her mother and Sharon Small as a new friend, all bring steel to their characters. McElhone shines in the difficult task of acting with an affliction, and he doesn't put a foot wrong. Butler ("Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life") downplays his movie-star presence to play a man of quiet mystery and strength.
The movie is filled with small moments of tenderness, insight and considerable wisdom, like when Lizzie says she thought Frankie would give up on writing to his dad, but she's glad he didn't. "It's the only way I can hear his voice," she says.
DEAR FRANKIE
Presented by Miramax Films & Pathe Pictures in association with the UK Film Council and Scottish Screen. A Scorpio Films Production in association with Sigma Films. Produced in association with Inside Track Productions.
Credits:
Director and cinematographer: Shona Auerbach
Screenwriter: Andrea Gibb
Producer: Caroline Wood
Co-producers: Gillian Berrie, Matthew T. Gannon
Executive producers: Stephan Evans, Angus Finney, Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Duncan Reid
Production designer: Jennifer Kernke
Editor: Oral Norrie Ottey
Original music: Alex Heffes
Costume designer: Carole K. Millar
Cast:
Lizzie: Emily Mortimer
Frankie: Jack McElhone
Stranger: Gerard Butler
Marie: Sharon Small
Nell: Mary Riggans
Catriona: Jayd Johnson
Ricky Monroe: Sean Brown
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 105 minutes...
First-time director Shona Auerbach, a photographer who has been successful making commercials, leaves the slick surfaces of that world behind to craft a deeply felt human drama that she also shot beautifully. With Miramax International at the helm, a film that derives much from a sense of geography and seamanship should travel well.
Emily Mortimer and Jack McElhone, who both appeared last year in "Young Adam", here are mother and son in the port town of Greenock, where they have fled once again to escape the grasp of her ex-husband. The boy, Frankie, is deaf and can barely speak, but he wasn't born that way. It was "a present from Daddy," as his mother, Lizzie, puts it. But he's a very bright boy, intelligent and quick. He also has the kind of resolve that allows him to make a friend out of a cocky kid sitting next to him in class who scrawls "Def Boy" on the desk. Frankie smiles and corrects his spelling.
The lad is unaware of his mother's fears; he just wishes they would settle down somewhere. Lizzie has told him that his dad is a sailor on a ship named Accra, and Frankie writes to him diligently, tracking his travels on a huge wall map. He doesn't know that his letters go only as far as his mother, who writes back letters as if they were from his father.
It goes well until one day they learn that a ship named Accra is headed for Greenock. Frankie's school friend makes him a bet that his dad won't want to see him. It's a bet Frankie can't turn down, and it leaves his mum with a huge dilemma.
Enter a tall, dark stranger, but in the sure hands of Gibb and Auerbach, this Scottish sailor (Gerard Butler) is not quite the nameless man with no history that Lizzie has in mind, and his stint pretending to be Frankie's dad leads to many more complications.
The potential for sickly sentiment is high with all these ingredients, but there is nothing mawkish about the film. The beautiful Mortimer appealingly understates her glamour. She and a sterling cast, including Mary Riggans as her mother and Sharon Small as a new friend, all bring steel to their characters. McElhone shines in the difficult task of acting with an affliction, and he doesn't put a foot wrong. Butler ("Lara Croft Tomb Raider: The Cradle of Life") downplays his movie-star presence to play a man of quiet mystery and strength.
The movie is filled with small moments of tenderness, insight and considerable wisdom, like when Lizzie says she thought Frankie would give up on writing to his dad, but she's glad he didn't. "It's the only way I can hear his voice," she says.
DEAR FRANKIE
Presented by Miramax Films & Pathe Pictures in association with the UK Film Council and Scottish Screen. A Scorpio Films Production in association with Sigma Films. Produced in association with Inside Track Productions.
Credits:
Director and cinematographer: Shona Auerbach
Screenwriter: Andrea Gibb
Producer: Caroline Wood
Co-producers: Gillian Berrie, Matthew T. Gannon
Executive producers: Stephan Evans, Angus Finney, Francois Ivernel, Cameron McCracken, Duncan Reid
Production designer: Jennifer Kernke
Editor: Oral Norrie Ottey
Original music: Alex Heffes
Costume designer: Carole K. Millar
Cast:
Lizzie: Emily Mortimer
Frankie: Jack McElhone
Stranger: Gerard Butler
Marie: Sharon Small
Nell: Mary Riggans
Catriona: Jayd Johnson
Ricky Monroe: Sean Brown
No MPAA rating
Running time -- 105 minutes...
- 5/19/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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